What is BLOCKEDSERVERS blocklist (RBL)?
The BLOCKEDSERVERS Blocklist (RBL) is an IP-based Real-time Blackhole List. It is designed to identify IP addresses that are suspected of sending spam or other unsolicited emails. Mail server administrators can use this blacklist to help filter and reject incoming mail from listed sources.
The operators of this blocklist provide a policy weight configuration that suggests how the list is intended to be used. It appears to be part of a larger, weighted scoring system rather than a standalone blocklist that causes outright rejection. In the provided example, BLOCKEDSERVERS is used alongside other well-known DNS blacklists like Spamhaus and SpamCop. Each blacklist is assigned a score, and a mail server would sum the scores for an incoming IP address to determine if it crosses a spam threshold. This method allows for more nuanced filtering than a simple yes or no check.
Technically, it functions as a DNSBL with the zone name rbl.blockedservers.com. It is likely used by system administrators managing their own mail servers with policy tools like policyd-weight.
Who runs BLOCKEDSERVERS blocklist (RBL)?
The blocklist is run by an organization named BLOCKEDSERVERS. There is limited public information available about the organization itself. However, they do provide some technical policy information on their website, indicating a focus on providing tools for mail server administrators.
How do I get removed and delisted from BLOCKEDSERVERS blocklist (RBL)?
BLOCKEDSERVERS provides a self-service removal process. After you look up your IP address on their website and confirm it is listed, you will find a form to request delisting. Before you request to be removed from this (or any) blacklist, it is crucial to find and fix the underlying issue that caused the listing.
- Find the source. Review your mail logs to identify the cause of the spam. This could be a compromised user account, a vulnerable web application, or a malware infection on your network.
- Secure your systems. Change all passwords, apply security patches, and ensure your mail server is not configured as an open relay.
- Request delisting. Once you have resolved the problem, visit the BLOCKEDSERVERS website, look up your IP address, and use the provided form to request removal.
What's the impact of being listed on BLOCKEDSERVERS blocklist (RBL)?
The impact of being listed on the BLOCKEDSERVERS Blocklist (RBL) is generally considered to be low. This RBL is not as widely used as major blacklists, and its primary function seems to be as a component in a weighted scoring system.
In the policy weight example published by the operators, a listing on rbl.blockedservers.com carries a low score (1.25) compared to other lists which have scores over 4.0. Therefore, a listing on this blocklist alone is unlikely to cause your emails to be rejected. However, it can contribute to a cumulative negative score. If your IP address is also listed on other blacklists or has other reputation issues, this listing could be the factor that pushes your email's spam score over the rejection threshold on some receiving servers.
Other BLOCKEDSERVERS blocklists